Electric lock



Sept 8,1925.

J.E.STEPHENSON ELECTRIC LOCK 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 14, 1923 Sept. 8, 1925.

J. E. STEPHENSON ELECTRI C LOCK Filed March 1 4. 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet z Patented Sept. 8, 1925.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES E. STEPHENSON, OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, ASSIG-NOR TO GENERAL RAILWAY SIGNAL COMPANY, OF GATES, NEW YORK, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

ELECTRIC LOCK.

Application filed March 14, 1923. Serial No. 625,067.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, JAMES E. STEPHEN- SON, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Rochester, in the county of Monroe and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electric Locks, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to electrically operated locks for levers of mechanical interlocking machines of the type employing socalled latch locking, that is, that type in which the movement of the lever is locked by a latch which in turn is locked by the usual tappet bars of the mechanical interlocking between levers.

Among the objects of the present invention, it is proposed to provide a simple and compact design of an electrically operated lever lock which is especially well applicable for locking latches of such levers, and includes the provision of a circuit controller operated in accordance with the movement of the latch so that it may be used to select signal circuits or govern the operation of power operated switches, and the like. This circuit controller is of a design that any clesired number of extensions may be added thereto to facilitate the control of any number of desired circuits. The improved electric lock includes means for forcing the engaging parts of the locking means into engagement with each other after each movement of the lock, and possesses various other desirable features and characteristics of devices of this character.

A further object of the invention is to provide a construction of a latch lock which can be readily converted or adapted for use as a track circuit controlled lockfor locking the lever in either the full normal or full reverse position, or both, or as an indication lock, or as a combined indication and track circuit lock.

Other specific objects and advantages of the invention will hereinafter appear as the description progresses.

In describing the invention in detail, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a side elevation of an electric lock embodying the present invention, parts thereof being broken away to more clearly show the internal construction;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of one end of the electric lock with the cover of the coil compartment removed;

Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation taken on the line 3.-3, Fig. 4, as viewed in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 4 is a plan view of the device shown irrFig. 1, with the main cover including the C011 compartment removed substantially along the line 4l4c, Fig. 8, as viewed in the direction of the arrows; and

Fig. 5 illustrates a portion of the locking plunger shown in Fig. 1, having a modified form of lock dog and cooperating guide cam associated therewith.

Referring particularly to Fig. 1, the em'-- bodiinent of the present invention as illustrated comprises a main frame or bed 1, preferably constructed of cast iron, which is of general box-like shape and is formed with inwardly projecting ribs 2 (see Fig. 3). These ribs 2 are preferably machined'to slidably support a longitudinally movable looking plunger P. This main frame 1 is also provided with a compartment 4 projecting from the side thereof for housing and sup porting asuitable pinion, more fully hereinafter described, and also includes parallel upstanding pedestals 5 for pivotally sup porting a bell crank or angle lever A. This angle lever A has one arm or leg 6 perforated to accommodate a pivotal connection to a suitable operating link 7, and a pair of bifurcated arms 8 disposed substantially at right angles to the arm 6, the bifurcated ends of said arms 8 straddling a-pin 9 extending through the locking plunger P. This angle lever A is pivotally supported in the pedestals 5 by a pin 10, whichis maintained in its proper position by a cotter pin 11 passing through the pin and holes in the extensions 12 integral with one of the pedestals 5.

In order to adaptthe electric lock embodying the present invention to satisfy the varyin conditions encountered in practice, the loc ing plunger P is provided with a recess in which any one of a number of different types of lock dogs may be interchangeably anchored. In Fig. 1, the lock dog 15 is of general Z-shape, and is shown fastened in the recess of the locking plunger P by screws 16. A suitable lock bolt 17 is disposed crosswise of the locking plunger P, and is adapted when in its lowermost position to engage the lock dog 15. This lock bolt 17 is supported for vertical movement in the combined cover and coil housing H covering the rear end of the main frame 1. In order to force this lock bolt 17 into its lowermost position after each operation, a suitable retaining means is provided. In the particular form illustrated, this retaining means comprises a pair of end blocks 18 fastened to the plunger by screws 18, and each provided with cutaway portions on opposite sides to accommodate a pair of guide cams 15) (see Figs. 3 and i) fastened thereto by screws ll. The guide cams 1!) are preferably formed with a groove between the holes for the screws 1-l (see Fig. 1), so that a portion of the heads of the screws may be forced down by a prick punch to lock said screws.

The removable coil housing H is normally maintained in its proper relation to the main frame 1 by four screws 20 extending through projecting feet integral with this coil housing (see Fig. 2). This coil housing H is of the general shape shown, and is preferably made of cast iron having suitable magnetic qualities. In this coil housing H is a chamber for a vertically disposed coil 21, preferably form-wound. This coil chamber is cylindrical and is formed as shown by a curved wall and an upstanding flange integral with the housing H. Near the middle of the coil chamber is provided an upstanding circular flange 22, which serves the triple function of properly supporting the coil 21, of supporting the lower end of the nonmagnetic sleeve 23 passing through this coil and of reducing the reluctance to the magnetic flux passing through the coil 21. The sleeve 23, which is necessarily made of noniagnetic material, is preferably construct-ed of brass, alui'ninum, or the like, and is preferably split endwise as shown at 2 1, Fig. 2.

Also, the coil chamber is preferably formed so as not to completely surround the coil (see Fig. 2) and a radial slot is provided in the bottom of the housing. In this way ventilation for the coil 21 is provided and the flow of eddy currents interrupted where alternating current is used for energizing the coil.

The top of the coil housing H is preferably closed by a suitable cover 25 of mag netic material, having a plug 26 of magnetic material fastened thereto by a knurled screw 27 in a manner so that this plug 26 extends into the sleeve 23. The cover 25 is preferably provided with a radial slot extending outwardly from the screw 2? to prevent the liow of eddy currents, and is held in position by screws 28 threaded into the coil housing H. Slidably supported in the nonmagnetic sleeve 23 and below the magnetizable plug 26 is a cylindrical core 30 of magnetic material, commonly known as an armature or plunger, and comprising part of the iron-clad electro-magnet just described.

, The upper end of this core 30 is counterdrilled to accommodate a headed pin 31 of non-magnetic material, which is provided to prevent the core 30 from being held up in contact with the plug 26 by residual magnetism after the coil 21 has been energized but a 'ain deener 'ized which ma be con- 1 C3 C3 7 veniently called a residual pin. Similarly, a non-n'iagnetic washer 32, preferably constructed of yieldable material, is provided below the core 30 so that there will be very little tendency of the core 30 to stick to the coil housing H. A non-magnetic rod 34 extends at its upper end into the lower end of the core or plunger, and is fastened thereto by a cross pin The lower end of the rod 8% is shouldered and riveted, or otherwise suitably fastened to the lock bolt 17. The rod 3-l connecting the core 30 and lock bolt 17 is constructed of non-magnetic material and, therefore, will not cause sticking action between this rod 34 and the side walls of the opening through which it passes into the coil housing H.

Upon energization of the coil 21, a certain amount of n1agneto-motive-force will be set up, thereby urging the core 30 upward in order to decrease the air gap between the magnetic plug 26 and the core 30. It will be noted that this upward movement of the core 30 will not materially change the reluctance at the lower end of the coil 21, but will greatly decrease the reluctance in the air gap between these two parts of the magnetic cir cuit. A very efficient and effective electro magnetic means is thus provided for lifting the lock dog 17 upward when it is desired to allow movement of the locking plunger P to another position.

Just to the rear of the iron-clad solenoid, just described, there is provided an insulat ing block 07 which is fastened in place by screws 38. Suitable binding posts 39 and associated washers, nuts, and lock nuts are provided to afford connecting means between the lead wire 40 of the coil 21 and suitable in-going wires 11.

In many practical applications of the type of electric lock described, it is desirable to open and close circuits at different positions of the locking plunger. The number of such circuits will vary for different applications; and also due to the space factor, it is considered important to use a drum type circuit controller disposed verticall either above or below the plunger. In the particular construction shown, one upper end portion of the plunger P is cut away to receive a rack 5 which is fastened thereto by screws 16 or the like. The teeth of the rack project sidewise, as shown in Figs. 1 and 4. In the "compartment 4 of the main frame 1 is a pinion 47 meshing with the rack 45. This pinion 47 is rigidly secured to a vertical shaft 49, preferably by keys and a cross pin, as shown. The shaft 49 is journalled in a bearing boss in the bottom of the housing 4 and in another bearing boss in a cover 50, fastened down by screws 51.

The pinion 47 has riveted thereto and projecting axially therefrom a pin 54 (see Figs. Sand 4) and a similar pin 55 is riveted to the cover 50 and projects down to the inside of this gear casing. A helical spring 56 about the hub of the pinion 47 has one of its ends fastened to the pin 54 of this gear, and its other end hooked around the pin 55.

By reason of this construction, the pinion 47 always tends to force'the rack 45 and the plunger P in one direction, preferably to the normal position shown. In this way there is taken up all of the lost motion be tween the several. connecting parts, particularly between the teeth of the pinion 47 and rack 45, so that the position of the pinion 47 and the circuit controller shaft 59 at all times truly corresponds with that of the primary operating element, such as the rocker arm. to which the link 7 is connected.

lVith the cover 50 in place as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3 of the drawings, the shaft 49 will have both of its ends pivotally supported and extending from the gear housing formed by the extension 4 and the cover portion 5'1), so that a suitable circuit controller may be connected to either end or both ends of the shaft. In the particular construction shown, a circuit controller connected to the lower end of this shaft has only been illustrated.

To the bottom of the main frame 1 is fastened a suitable circuit controller bracket (30 by cap screws 61. This bracket 69 is formed with an arm to which is fastened an insulating contact block 62 by screws To this insulating contact block 62 are fastened a plurality of contact fingers 64 extending along opposite sides of this block to engage opposite sides of a suitable contact drum 1). These contact fingers G4 are held in place by suitable binding posts 65 and nuts 66, the necessary washers 67, nuts 68 and lock nuts 69 being provided to facilitate the connection of wires to these binding posts The circuit controller drum D comprises a suitable shaft 59, having a collar 70 provided with axially extending teeth 71. A plurality of individual drum sections hav-- ing contact sectors 72 extending various angular distances around these drum sections are provided, so that various: degrees of movement of the difi erentdrums are necessary to cause a making or a breaking of a circuit. Each of these individual drums 73 is provided with axially extending teeth projecting from the periphery of opposite ends thereof, which are designed to operatively engage similar teeth of another drum, or engage the teeth 71 of the collar 70. lt is thus seen that various combinations may be built up by selecting drum sections, having contact sectors extending different angular distances about their axis and by assembling these various kinds of drum sections in different ways, that is, by selectin the proper relation between the teeth and notches of adjacent drum sections.

Although only two such drum sections have been illustrated, it is proposed to use a large number connected to each other in the same manner as shown by those illustrated. The lower end of the shaft 59 is preferably threaded and provided with nuts (not shown) to support these drum sections. The upper end of this shaft has a threaded sleeve 75 pinned thereto, as shown, by the pin 76 on which are provided a nut 77 and a lock nut 78 to firmly hold the collar 70 against the upper drum section 72.

The extreme upper end of the shaft 59 is provided with a key slot containing a semicircular key 7 9, the lower end of the shaft 49 bein provided with a similar key 80. A suitable split shaft coupling 81 .couples the ends of these shafts together, it being provided with a bolt 82 and nut 83 for firmly clamping this coupling on to these shafts. It should be borne in mind that the upper end of the shaft 49 may have a similar controller drum fastened thereto in the same manner, and that several such controller drums may be fastened end to end with suitable bearings between these drums.

In an electric lock of the character shown and described, it is highly desirable to have a predetermined relation between the position of the locking plunger P and the vavious drum sections 73. In the particular embodiment of the invention shown, this re lation between these parts is determined in a very practical and eflicient manner. As shown the pinion 47 is provided with twenty-nine teeth, and the collar 70 is provided with thirty projections or teeth 71. It is thus noted that a very small angular adjustment may be made by changing each one of these teeth by one notch only. F or instance, if the pinion 47 is lifted up and shifted over one tooth, its relation to the rack, and corn sequently the locking plunger 19, will be changed one twenty-ninth of one revolution, and if the relation between the various drum sections 72 and the collar 70 is changed, by an increment of one tooth, the changed relation between these parts is equal to onethirtieth of one revolution. Or, in other words, if the relative change of one of these adjustments is made to advance the circuit controller drum section in a clockwise direction, and the other adjustment is made to advance the circuit controller drum in a counter-clockwise direction, the net change in adjustment ell'ected is equal to the dil terence of these two adjustments which in the particular instances would be equal to one twenty-ninth minus one-thirtieth of 860 degrees, which is substantially equal to four tenths of one degree.

Operation: Although the particular lock illustrated has been particularly designed for use as a latch lock for mechanical levers, it may equally as well be used for a lever lock it the corresponding parts are made strong enough to withstand the necessary strains encountered when such a lock is installed to lock the tail lever ot' levers in a mechanical interlocking plant. Proceeding on the assun'iption that this lock is connected to the rocker arm ot a lBVZ' of the locked latch type, by the connecting: link 7, and that it is provided. with the particular type oi dog and guide am as illustrated in Fig; 1, the operation will be taken up step-by-step.

The particular type of lock dog and guide cam illustrated in Fig. l is particularly well adapted in an electric lock used as an indication lock for signal levers. For the purpose 0t illustration, let us assume that it is desired to operate a suitable signal mechanically, and in order to do so the tower attendant presses the latch ot the particular lever to which the lock illustrated in Fig. 1 is connected. As the operator moves the latch ot the lever, the usual rocker arm may be shifted, thereby allowing the latch oli the lever to be withdrawn, thus allowing movement of the lever to the other extreme position, thereby in turn moving the signal to the other extreme position. As shown, as soon as movement of the lever has been completed, it is necessary to have the latch of this lever to assume its latched position, that is, have the rocker arm connected to the latch assume the other extreme position. This latter change will, however, not be possible be ause the lock dog 15 will engage the lock bolt 17 and prevent further movement of the locking plunger P, and consequently prevent movement of the rocking lever and latch. However, it the signal has actually been moved by the lever as it will be under ordinary conditions, a suitable circuit controller associated with the distant signal will complete a circuitto energize the coil 21, which in turn will cause the plunger 30 to rise and lift the lock bolt 17 above the projecting portion of the lock dog 15, thereby permitting further movement of the locking plunger, connecting link 7, rocking lever and the latch of the switch lever. This final movement of the latch oi the switch lever will place the tappet bar in the interlocking frame in a position to unlock other conflicting levers.

If it is now desired to move the signal back to its original position, this may be accomplished without any interference by the electric lock it the lock dog and guide cam illustrated in Fig. 1 are used. Such movement of the plunger back to the initial position, as shown in the drawings, will merely cause the guide cam 19 to force the lock dog 17 into its locked aosition, thereby preventing the possibility of this lock bolt sticking up due to residual magnetism, and the like.

During these movements of the lever latch or rocker arm and the locking plunger P, the circuit controller shaft 59 is likewise rotated; and by adjustment of the several contact drum sections 73, any desired ni'unber of circuits may be closed or opened in the respective positions of the lever latch, as may be desired for controlling the lock circuits of other levers, operating circuits o't other signals or switches, or the like.

In certain mechanical interlocking plants which mostly serve switches located at a con'iparatively short distance, it is entirely satisfactory to operate such switches directly by a lever, but it an additional switch located ata considerable distance from the tower is added. due to increased trallic, it is found desirable to operate such a switch by a power operated switch machine. The particular type of electric lock shown and described is especially well applicable "for operating a switch machine of this type, the necessary control apparatus being present in the circuit controller operatively connected to the locking plunger P. t the electric lock illustrated is used for this purpose, the mechanical interlocking between levers is accomplished by the latch locking usually provided, and the electro-responsivc device associated with the electric lock is used as an indication means to assure. that the switch has been actually operated to a position corresponding to that of the lever.

lVhenever this electric lock is used for the purpose just mentioned, that is, to operate a distant switch or signal electrically or pneumatically, the lock dog and guide cam will be modified to provide additional locked positions of the lever. One form suitable for this purpose has been illustrated in Fi n 5 by the lock dog and the guide cam 90, which provide tour locked positions. Obviously, the circuit controller associated with the electric lock embodying the present invention may also be used for circuit selecting purposes, to connect the coil 21 of the electric lock to the particular track circuit or indication circuit to control this look when the plunger is in the particular position at which unlocking is desired providing trallic conditions, and the like, are proper.

The lock of this invention may also be used as a full normal or full reverse lock, controlled by track circuits or by other levers; Various applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art; and no at tempt has been made to illustrate or mention the various adaptations of the invention to practical use.

One of the desirable features of the electric lock embodying the present invention is characterized by the provision of a structure which comprises several unitary devices, which may be readily removed or replaced as desired. For instance, the electroresponsive device is housed in a separate unit comprising the cover for the main frame or casing, which may be removed as a complete unit including the lock bolt which is slidably supported in grooves in this cover. This combined cover and electro-responsive device may be easily removed by first unfastening the guide cams 19 and end blocks 18 from the plunger P, the screws 18 being readily removable by a screw driver in the extreme position of the plunger.

A further advantageous feature of the present invention consists in the provision of circuit controllers of the drum type, extending from either above or below th electric lock as most convenient, which may be made up of any desired number of drum sections and contacts, each of which is separately adjustable by very small increments of adjustment. Also, these circuit controller drums are operatively connected to the locking plunger in a manner to provide a uniform ratio of movement between these two devices throughout the entire range of move ment of the locking plunger. If desired, the pinion 47 may be removed, and a pinion having a different diameter or a different.

number of teeth may be substituted therefor. In this event, the rack 45 would be replaced by another rack having the desired number of teeth located on a tangent parallel to the locking plunger and at the proper distance from the center of the sub stituted pinion. This feature of interchangeability permits different angular movements of the controller drum to be effected for a unit movement of the locking plunger.

In general, this electric lock is of sturdy construction, consists of a comparatively few parts which are easily constructed, and is designed so as to be easily assembled. Since a certain amount of movement of the locking plunger is usually possible before th locked position of the plunger is reached, certain of the contacts of the controller may be used, in lieu of a floor push or hand push button, to cut the current ofi? of the coil 21 in one or both of the extreme positions of the locking plunger, so that no current flows or energy is consumed while the locking plunger is in such extreme and unlocked position.

Although only one particular type of electric lock has been shown for the purpose of illustrating the present invention, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be made to adapt this look for the various conditions encountered in practice, without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention or the idea of means for carrying out the functions thereof.

hat is desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States, is

1. An electric lock for interlocking traflic controlling systems for railroads comprising, a main frame, a locking plunger having a lock dog and slidably supported in said frame, and a cover for said main frame including an electrically operable locking plunger for engaging the lock dog to lock the plunger in a certain position.

2. An electric lock for levers of interlocking machines comprising, a main frame, a locking plunger in said frame, a cover for said main frame. and a lock bolt slidably supported in said cover for movement into and out of engagement with said locking plunger.

In an electric lock of the type described,

the combination with a main frame, a sliding bar to be locked guided in said frame, a cover member of magnetic material secured to said frame and shaped to form a cylindri-"al coil chamber, a lock bolt guided by said cover member, a core in the coil chamber secured to said bolt, and a coil in said chamber around the core.

4;. An electric lock for levers of interlocking machines for railway systems comprising, a main frame of general channel shape, ribs extending inwardly from said main frame to form bearing surfaces, a locking plunger supported for slidable movement on said ribs, a rack detachably secured to said locking plunger, and a circuit controller drum in operative engagement with said rack.

5. An electric lock for levers of interlocking machines for railway systems comprising, a main frame of general channel shape, a locking plunger supported for slidable movement in said main frame, a gear chamber extending from said main frame, a pinion pivotally supported in said chamber, and means extending from opposite sides of said chamber to operatively connect said pinion to suitable controlling apparatus.

6. In an electric lock of the character described, a sliding bar to be locked, a main frame guiding said bar and open on one side to permit removal thereof, a cover member fastened to the main frame over its open side, said cover member having grooves therein on opposite sides of said bar and extending in a direction transversely thereto, and a lock bolt guided in said grooves.

7. A combined cover and electro-responsive device for electric locks of interlocking machines comprising, a cover member of magnetic material and of general inverted Ushape, a shell extending above said cover member, an upstanding circular flange extending up from said cover and disposed concentric with respect to said shell, a coil in said shell surrounding said flange, and a core slidably supported in said coil and flange.

8. A combined cover and electro-responsire device for electric locks of interlocking machines comprising, a cover member of magnetic material and of general U-shape, upstanding wall portions integral with said cover to form two compartments, a coil in one of said compartments, and a terminal board in the other of said con'ipartments An electric lock for levers of interlocking machines for railway systems comprising, a locking plunger, a rack operated by said plunger, a pinion engaging said rack and operatively and adjustably connected to a circuit controller drum, and means permitting a large number of adjustments of equal increment to be made.

10. An electric lock according to the preceding claim, wherein the number of adjust monts obtainable throughout the circumference of the drum have a ratio to the number of teeth in said pinion so that the differential adjustment obtainable by these two adjustments is a comparatively small increment.

11. An electric lock for levers of interlocking machines comprising, a locking plunger, a rack operated by said plunger, a pinion engaging said rack and operatively and adjustably connected to a circuit controller drum, and means for biasing said pinion in one direction whereby the lost motion between said rack and pinion will always be taken up in one direction to cause a predetermined relation to exist between said looking plunger and pinion.

12. An electric lock for interlocking systems comprising, a locking plunger, a lock dog on said locking plunger, means for slidably supporting said plunger, a lock bolt of general T-shape supported for movement transverse with respect to the movement of said plunger and adapted to engage said lock dog to lock said plunger, and a guide cam carried by said plunger for forcibly urging said lock bolt to its locked position.

18. An electric lock for locking machines of interlocking systems comprising, a looking plunger, a lock dog on said locking plunger, means for slid ably supporting said plunger, a lock bolt of general T-shape supported for transverse movement with respect to said plunger and adapted to engage said locli'. dog to loci; said plunger, and a double guide cam carried by said plunger and straddling said T-shaped lock bolt for forcibly urging said lock bolt to its effective position.

14-. In an electric lock of the character described, the combination with a locking plunger, a main frame guiding said plunger and having an open side, a cover member of m netic material secured to the main frame over its open side, said cover member having integral projecting portions shaped to form a cylindrical coil. chamber, a coil in said chamber, a core within said coil, and a cover of magnetic material for the coil c iamber having a magnetic plug secured thereto in alinement with said core.

15. In an electric lock of the character described, a sliding bar to, be locked having a recess in one face, a lock dog fastened to said bar in said recess, parallel guide cams extending lengthwise of the bar and secured to said face thereof opposite the lock dog, and a locking bolt of a general inverted T- shape having its stem portion passing between said guide cams and its head disposed below these cams, the head of said bolt en gaging the lock dog on said bar in a predetermined position thereof, the edges of said guide cams being shaped to force the head of the lock bolt into position to engage the lock dog.

16. In an electric lock, a slidable bar to be locked, a main frame guiding said bar, a pinion and bar therefor supported by said frame, a rack secured to said bar and meshing with the pinion, and a rotary circuit rontroller operatively connected to said pin-v ion.

l7 In an electric lock, in combination, a sliding bar having a lock dog secured thereto, a lock bolt for engaging said do an electro-responsire means for operating said bolt, a rotary circuit controlling member operatirely connected to said bar and turned as said bar is moved longitudinally, and a spring connected to said circuit controller and ac ing to take up in one direction the lost motion between said connecting parts, whereby the position of the circuit controller corresponds with the position of said bar irrespective of the lost motion between the parts resulting in movement of the circuit controlling member the bar is moved.

In testimony whereof I hereby affix my signature. I

JAMES E. STEPHENSON. 

